Police Officer Injured In Champaign County Semi-Truck Accident on I-74

Illinois State Police Trooper Injured In Champaign County Mack Truck Accident On Interstate 74 By Exit 197

Police Officer Injured In Champaign County Semi-Truck Accident on I-74

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, ILLINOIS (April 1, 2023) – An Illinois State Police trooper was injured in a Champaign County semi-truck accident along Interstate 74 by Exit 197.

Champaign County officials are saying that the collision took place around 2:00 a.m. near a construction zone. A state trooper was diverting traffic when his vehicle was rear-ended by a semi-truck.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the trooper. He was taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment.

The driver of the semi-truck was cited for violating Scott’s Law. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Champaign County Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and can be particularly dangerous for passenger vehicles. According to the FMCSA, “Fatigue, drinking alcohol, and speeding are major factors in motor vehicle crashes overall. Although their presence does not always result in a crash, these three factors, as well as other driver, vehicle, and environmental factors, can increase the risk that a crash will occur.” There are a number of steps that semi-truck drivers should take to prevent collisions.

  • Truck drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the road.
  • Truck drivers should maintain a safe follow distance with the vehicles ahead of them.
  • Truck drivers should take periodic breaks during their shift.

If a semi-truck driver fails to slow down for an emergency vehicle in Illinois, they could be cited for violating Scott’s Law. Scott’s Law is named in honor of Scott Gillen who worked for the Chicago Fire Department. He was killed by a drunk driver will assisting with a collision. The law requires all people approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights to slow down, drive with caution and move over to another lane. If a truck driver violates Scott’s Law, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Depending on the facts of any case, a truck driver’s employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a semi-truck driver may have been transporting goods when they crashed. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.

  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.

The vast majority of truck accidents are preventable and involve some amount of human error. It is important that accident victims understand that they do have rights. Any person that is injured in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering.

Investigating An Illinois Semi-Truck Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the Illinois State Police trooper injured in this semi-truck accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be some accountability for what took place.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Champaign County semi-truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.